Home » Opinion » Two-Player Tuesdays: Slut Walk
Two-Player Tuesdays: Slut Walk
April 5, 2011
SlutWalk London is happening Sunday to protest the idea that sexual assault has something to do with what you wear. In January, a representative of the Toronto Police said, “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimized.” Critics say his comments place blame on the victims. Overall, we agree. No man has the right to sexually assault a woman, regardless of what she’s wearing. And in no way does a woman wearing a short skirt or a low-cut top suggest she’s asking to be verbally harassed or physically assaulted. But what sort of statement do we make with the clothes we wear?
Spring is here and with it comes skirts and tank tops. Unfortunately, they also bring unwanted glances from passersby.
A short skirt is apparently an invitation for a young woman to become a private show for anyone who happens to be walking down the street. Rather than simply moving on with their lives, it seems stopping, staring or catcalling are common courses of action.
I hate to break it to the world, but there are people behind those tube tops and miniskirts — people who just happen to like tube tops and mini skirts. People who don’t necessarily like being stared at and judged.
I don’t think it’s a lot to ask to ask people not to stare at a woman when she chooses to wear a favourite skirt out to the bar. The problem isn’t with her wearing a miniskirt, it’s the way those around her react. She’s turned into some sort of impromptu art exhibit instead of the living, breathing student who may have just finished her midterm.
Many people argue women are “asking for it” when they wear their miniskirt out to the bar and are ogled. But what really needs to be asked is why we’re okay with a peek of skin becoming an invitation to treat women like meat. Would people be allowed to act same way if she were in her sweats?
A woman should be able to wear whatever she chooses without the fear of being judged or gawked at. It shouldn’t matter if she’s wearing her sweatpants or a tube top.
— Cheryl Stone
Clothing speaks volumes — and so does a lack of it. Let’s face it, dressing like a Victoria’s Secret model on the sweaty Ceeps dance floor has a certain sexual connotation attached to it.
So why do women complain when men start treating them like sexual objects?
Sexual predators are not the norm and the majority of men are decent guys. But they’re also sexual beings, and the idea that they can completely refrain from ogling a near-naked woman – particularly while under the influence of alcohol – is a laughable notion.
Of course, there’s a line that should be drawn. Sexual assault is unequivocally wrong and catcalling women on Richmond is juvenile. But ladies, don’t blame men for focusing on your body instead of your brain when that’s what you’re showing off on a night out.
As women, we need to consider our choices. If you’re busting out of a bustier, don’t tell me you’re not trying to titillate. Looking sexy often implies you’re looking for sex. And even if you’re not, dressing in such a suggestive fashion is like holding a sign saying, “Look at my body!”
I say this as a modern woman who enjoys wearing the latest trend, be it high heels or short skirts. But I’m under no illusions that men will look at me the same way if I’m wearing a mini-dress instead of a turtleneck.
And I can’t fault them for that – I choose my own outfits.
— Lauren Pelley
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Lauren Pelley is commencing the Master's in Journalism program here at Western, following a four-year undergraduate degree in International Relations. She's been involved with the Gazette since first year and has since been a News Editor, Associate Editor, Senior Editor, Arts & Entertainment Editor and, for Volume 104, is in the new role of Creative Director.
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